For the brand new Mahindra 3X0, similar to anything, it’s finest to deal with any cure-all creation with a wholesome diploma of skepticism. A performance-enhancing complement with no opposed unwanted effects … Yeah proper. Low-fat, gluten-free chocolate that tastes pretty much as good as the unique … Tell me one other one. And lastly, the mini-SUV Mahindra 3X0 with a raised experience peak that’s nonetheless an environment friendly city animal … We’ll be the decide of that, thanks very a lot.

Nevertheless, in terms of niche-busting vehicles just like the Mahindra 3X0, the subcontinental manufacturer has by no means been afraid of colouring exterior the traces. Nor doing issues somewhat in a different way. It solely requires a cursory look on the radical exterior design of the Mahindra 3X0 to substantiate as a lot. Just have a look at the 200 mm of ground clearance, stocky stance and characterful entrance fascia – it merely refuses to be ignored.

MAHINDRA 3X0 AX7L

The automobile we’ve for assessment is the top-of-the-range AX7L with the six-speed automated gearbox, retailing for R404 999. Granted, that will sound like loads for a small automobile from the subcontinent. But that’s earlier than you realise they’ve fitted each single factor possible to the Mahindra 3X0. And we imply all the things! There are premium vehicles from Germany that want they’d this degree of normal specification.

Plus, there’s a playfulness to the Mahindra 3X0, as if it had been created by a baby let unfastened in a Toys R Us. You have sixty seconds to attract as many traces and specify as many issues as you possibly can!” And it’s actually not conventionally good-looking, however you’ve acquired to confess it’s sort of bang on for vehicles coming from India and China these days. And, for essentially the most half, its grille and entrance styling association does give it a novel sort-of scotty canine face.  

TELL US MORE

Then you step aboard the Mahindra 3X0 and the occasion kicks up a notch. In the previous, a Mahindra had about as a lot inside ambiance as a R5 Crazy Store. And whereas the 3X0 persists with the discount basement really feel, there may be real worth to be loved right here. There’s a central touchscreen with ‘floating effect’ that controls all of your infotainment. From there issues proceed to stack down in rows of arduous buttons. Driving capabilities, local weather management and your all-important USB ports. But as all the time in a Mahindra, don’t neglect to modify off the automated cease/begin system to the suitable of the steering column. It’s not as unhealthy because the XUV700’s however it’s additionally by no means seamless in execution.

Then we get to the exceedingly lengthy checklist of normal specification on the Mahindra 3X0 AX7L. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree digicam and good keyless entry. But it’s the genuinely spectacular, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise management and energetic lane-keeping help by means of the steering wheel that significantly impresses in a automobile of this worth and stature. It even has a premium sound system, tyre stress monitor and cooled glovebox for goodness sake.

LITTLE MITE

So, the little mite has streaked forward in our estimation, however can it keep out in entrance with a reliable drive? This is commonly the place Mahindras have been discovered wanting prior to now. Nevertheless, the Mahindra 3X0 advantages from a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 82 kW and 200 Nm. This is greater than sufficient as a result of it solely wants haul round simply over 1 000 kg.

Somewhat peaky energy and torque supply doesn’t hamper progress. The turbo engine is simply intrusive sometimes when the three pot feels somewhat breathless beneath 4 000 r/min. Nevertheless, in an city atmosphere it’s truly fairly a zippy little weapon. You can really feel the absence of weight and good thing about that tall seating place in its simple motion and general agility. The six-speed gearbox has an honest shift program. And the turbo engine’s additional torque has upped sophistication and effectivity (within the right rev vary).

THE VERDICT

Best of all, when you’re a daily curb-hopper or have a variety of pace bumps to cope with in your neighbourhood, you’ll respect the 200-mm floor clearance, excessive seating place, distinctive styling and nice worth proposition. It’s much more compelling while you think about that this automobile doesn’t have an entire lot of real rivals in the mean time. Most are variations of current, standard hatchbacks. Whereas the Mahindra 3X0 appears to be like, feels and is a clean-sheet effort. I hope the Indian producer could make hay whereas the solar shines, as a result of vehicles as spectacular because the 3X0 are sure to be copied.

THE FIGURES

• Mahindra 3X0 AX7L 6AT
• Price: R404 999
• Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
• Power: 82 kW and 200 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
• Fuel Economy: 6.5 l/100 km (claimed)
• Performance: 0-100 km/h unknown

WILL THIS MAHINDRA DISRUPT THE SMALL-CAR SEGMENT?   

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